Sciatica
Sciatica
It is defined as the condition in which pain occurred due to the compression of sciatic nerve. Sciatic nerve is the largest nerve of the body which run from the lower back cross the hips and go down the leg. Sciatica is a unilateral condition it is usually cause by herniated disc which compresses the nerve.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of sciatica include:
- Pain lower lumber region
- Pain radiates from the lower back to the leg
- Numbness
- Burning sensation
- Pain exaggerates by intense activity
Causes
The main cause of sciatica is the compression of sciatic nerve which is occurred due to the herniated disc and bone spur grow in your vertebrae.
Diagnosis
After taking history and conducting physical examination your doctor might recommend the following test:
- X-ray to check the bone spur of vertebrae
- CT (Computerized Tomography) scan to check the images of spine
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to check the cross-section images of your back
- Electromyography to check the electrical activity of muscles
Treatment
Treatment options include:
- Anti-inflammatory to reduce the inflammatory process
- Narcotics for severe pain
- Muscle’s relaxant to reduce the pressure on sciatic nerve
- Anti-seizure medicine
- Steroid injection if not treated with medicines
- Physical therapy to improve the mobility
- Surgical removal of bone spur to reduce the pressure from the nerve
Lifestyle and home remedies
Following tips will help you:
- Exercise daily
- Do yoga to stretch the muscles
- Cold pack to reduce the pain
- Pain killers for pain